The classic route from the south, from Georgia
June 22–30 · July 2–9 · July 12–19 · July 23–27 · July 30–August 7 · August 11–18 · September 4–10, 2026
June 22–30 · July 2–9 · July 12–19 · July 23–27 · July 30–August 7 · August 11–18 · September 4–10, 2026
Climbing Kazbek (5,033 m)
Over the course of eight days, we’ll climb to the legendary summit via the Gergeti Trinity Church, hike across glaciers and snow-covered trails, drink water from mountain streams, and witness breathtaking sunrises.
The program is suitable for both beginners hoping to climb a 5,000-meter peak for the first time and experienced hikers who want to follow a well-established route with a reliable guide.
The climb follows the classic route from the Georgian side, with a comfortable acclimatization period, mountain huts, and the option to have some of your gear transported by horse.
The guides will teach you the basics of mountaineering: how to use ropes, crampons, an ice axe, and a ascender. And most importantly, they’ll be right there with you every step of the way—from your first step in Stepantsminda to sunrise at the summit of Kazbek.
program
Day 1. Arrival in Stepantsminda. Elevation: 1,740 m
We’ll meet in the village of Stepantsminda, the heart of the Georgian mountains. It’s a place that inspires adventure just by the sight of it.
We’ll have time to relax after the trip, enjoy the hospitality of the locals, and prepare our climbing gear.
In the evening, we’ll take a walk through the picturesque surroundings and imagine our encounter with the mountain that will soon become part of your story.
Accommodations: guesthouse
Meals: dinner
We’ll have time to relax after the trip, enjoy the hospitality of the locals, and prepare our climbing gear.
In the evening, we’ll take a walk through the picturesque surroundings and imagine our encounter with the mountain that will soon become part of your story.
Accommodations: guesthouse
Meals: dinner
Day 2. Hike to “Green Nights” (3,040 m)
Itinerary: Stepantsminda – Trinity Church – camp at an elevation of 3,040 m.
Our journey begins with incredible views of the Trinity Church (Gergeti), one of Georgia’s most famous landmarks.
After driving up to an altitude of 2,170 m, we’ll continue on foot, immersing ourselves in the atmosphere of the purest mountain air and tranquility.
We’ll arrive at “Green Overnight Stays,” where we’ll check into a mountain lodge at an altitude of 3,040 m.
A hot shower and a delicious dinner will be waiting for you there. This is the first stop on the way, and you’ll already start to feel the effects of acclimatization.
Elevation gain/loss: ~1,300 m
Travel time: 4–6 hours
Accommodations: mountain hut or tents on the hut grounds (3,040 m)
Meals: breakfast, lunch snack, dinner
Our journey begins with incredible views of the Trinity Church (Gergeti), one of Georgia’s most famous landmarks.
After driving up to an altitude of 2,170 m, we’ll continue on foot, immersing ourselves in the atmosphere of the purest mountain air and tranquility.
We’ll arrive at “Green Overnight Stays,” where we’ll check into a mountain lodge at an altitude of 3,040 m.
A hot shower and a delicious dinner will be waiting for you there. This is the first stop on the way, and you’ll already start to feel the effects of acclimatization.
Elevation gain/loss: ~1,300 m
Travel time: 4–6 hours
Accommodations: mountain hut or tents on the hut grounds (3,040 m)
Meals: breakfast, lunch snack, dinner
Day 3. Gergeti Glacier — hike to the weather station (3,650 m)
Route: Camp at an elevation of 3,040 meters – weather station
We’ll cross the Gergeti Glacier, one of the most breathtaking spots on the entire route.
The hike to the weather station will take 3–4 hours, and at every turn we’ll be surrounded by the impressive landscapes of the Caucasus.
Upon arrival, we’ll prepare our gear for the rest of the climb and spend the night at the high-altitude BethlemiHut.
Elevation gain/loss: ~600 m
Travel time: 3–4 hours
Accommodations: tents/Bethlemi Hut at the weather station (3,650 m)
Meals: breakfast, lunch snack, dinner
We’ll cross the Gergeti Glacier, one of the most breathtaking spots on the entire route.
The hike to the weather station will take 3–4 hours, and at every turn we’ll be surrounded by the impressive landscapes of the Caucasus.
Upon arrival, we’ll prepare our gear for the rest of the climb and spend the night at the high-altitude BethlemiHut.
Elevation gain/loss: ~600 m
Travel time: 3–4 hours
Accommodations: tents/Bethlemi Hut at the weather station (3,650 m)
Meals: breakfast, lunch snack, dinner
Day 4. Preparing for the main climb, elevation 3,650 m
We will ascend to an altitude of 4,100 m to improve acclimatization and prepare for the summit push.
We will spend the day at this altitude so that your body can fully adapt to high-altitude conditions.
This is a time for walks in the surrounding area and training in the use of mountaineering equipment.
Elevation gain/loss: ~450 m
Accommodations: tents/Bethlemi Hut weather station (3,650 m)
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
We will spend the day at this altitude so that your body can fully adapt to high-altitude conditions.
This is a time for walks in the surrounding area and training in the use of mountaineering equipment.
Elevation gain/loss: ~450 m
Accommodations: tents/Bethlemi Hut weather station (3,650 m)
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5. Rest and Preparation for the Summit
After acclimatization, we’ll spend a day resting and thoroughly preparing for the summit push.
Our guides will check your gear, and we’ll draw up a plan for the next day to ensure that every step on the way to the summit is confident and successful.
Accommodations: tents/Bethlemi Hut weather station (3,650 m)
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Our guides will check your gear, and we’ll draw up a plan for the next day to ensure that every step on the way to the summit is confident and successful.
Accommodations: tents/Bethlemi Hut weather station (3,650 m)
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6. Ascent of Mount Kazbek (5,033 m)
The night will be short, since we’ll start the ascent as early as 2–3 a.m. Depending on the forecast and weather conditions, the start time for the summit push may change.
We’ll have 1.5 hours to get ready, during which you’ll need to have a hearty meal. After a brief briefing, the entire group will set out toward the summit, which is a 7–9-hour hike away.
Every step will lead you closer to the summit. And there you are, standing at an altitude of 5,033 m, with the boundless expanse of the Caucasus unfolding before you.
This is a moment of triumph that will stay with you forever.
After a short rest at the summit, we’ll descend back to the weather station.
Elevation gain/loss: ~1,400 m / ~1,400 m
Hiking time: 10–14 hours
Accommodation: tents/Bethlemi Hut at the weather station (3,650 m)
Meals: breakfast, lunch snack, dinner
We’ll have 1.5 hours to get ready, during which you’ll need to have a hearty meal. After a brief briefing, the entire group will set out toward the summit, which is a 7–9-hour hike away.
Every step will lead you closer to the summit. And there you are, standing at an altitude of 5,033 m, with the boundless expanse of the Caucasus unfolding before you.
This is a moment of triumph that will stay with you forever.
After a short rest at the summit, we’ll descend back to the weather station.
Elevation gain/loss: ~1,400 m / ~1,400 m
Hiking time: 10–14 hours
Accommodation: tents/Bethlemi Hut at the weather station (3,650 m)
Meals: breakfast, lunch snack, dinner
Day 7. Descent to Stepantsminda, relaxation, and saying goodbye to the mountains
The descent to Stepantsminda will be the final stage of our journey.
After several strenuous days of climbing, enjoy a well-deserved rest at the hotel, share your experiences with friends, and celebrate your achievement.
Kazbek will become part of your story, and you—part of ours!
Travel time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: guesthouse
Meals: breakfast, lunch snack, celebratory dinner
After several strenuous days of climbing, enjoy a well-deserved rest at the hotel, share your experiences with friends, and celebrate your achievement.
Kazbek will become part of your story, and you—part of ours!
Travel time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: guesthouse
Meals: breakfast, lunch snack, celebratory dinner
Our itinerary has been carefully planned down to the last detail, but nature has its own way of things. Some parts of the route may be rearranged depending on the weather and other factors—so that each destination is revealed to us in the best possible light.
This flexibility allows us to make the trip even more comfortable and enriching!
This flexibility allows us to make the trip even more comfortable and enriching!
difficulty of the round
The program is suitable for both beginners hoping to climb a 5,000-meter peak for the first time and experienced hikers who want to follow a well-established route with a reliable guide.
If you're still not sure whether this itinerary is right for you, feel free to email us :)
The scale is relative; use the distance and elevation gain as a guide.
Climbing Dates
June 22–30 · July 2–9 · July 12–19 · July 23–27 · July 30–August 7 · August 11–18 · September 4–10, 2026
Price per person at the standard rate
750 EUR
The price includes:
- Accommodations: at a guesthouse in Stepantsminda (first and last days); in a tent on the other days
- Meals: group meals (3 meals a day) + snacks during the hike
- Tent rental: 2-3 person tents
- Transportation: drop-off at the trailhead, as well as transportation after the climb (from the trailhead to the guesthouse)
- Accompaniment by professional guides
(1 guide per 2–3 people)
- Certificate of successful ascent
- Celebration dinner upon return to the village of Stepanminda
- Gift: branded merchandise (long-sleeve shirt, socks, sticker)
- Meals: group meals (3 meals a day) + snacks during the hike
- Tent rental: 2-3 person tents
- Transportation: drop-off at the trailhead, as well as transportation after the climb (from the trailhead to the guesthouse)
- Accompaniment by professional guides
(1 guide per 2–3 people)
- Certificate of successful ascent
- Celebration dinner upon return to the village of Stepanminda
- Gift: branded merchandise (long-sleeve shirt, socks, sticker)
Charged separately:
- round-trip airfare to Georgia
- personal gear (except for a tent)
- insurance
- tips for the guide (optional)
- personal gear (except for a tent)
- insurance
- tips for the guide (optional)
Price per person for the Comfort rate
1,200 EUR
This rate includes everything in the standard package
, plus accommodation not in a tent butin a mountain hut at an altitude of 3,040 m (1 night) and in a mountain hut at an altitude of 3,650 m (5 nights)
This rate includes everything in the standard package
, plus accommodation not in a tent butin a mountain hut at an altitude of 3,040 m (1 night) and in a mountain hut at an altitude of 3,650 m (5 nights)
WHAT TO PACK
- Plush Cats (All-Purpose)
- Cat carrier (to protect your backpack from cuts caused by sharp edges)
- Ice axe with a hand warmer
- A belay system with load-distributing loops (for hanging carabiners)
- Climbing helmet
- Ascender (a device for climbing rope handrails)
- 3 climbing carabiners with a locking mechanism
- A hiking backpack with a rigid frame, an adjustable back panel and hip belt, and the ability to attach gear to the outside of the backpack (straps, quick-release buckles, loops, and pockets). Capacity: 70 liters for women, 80–90 liters for men
- Important: Choose a backpack size that leaves enough room for shared gear (food, tents, cooking equipment, gas).
- Assault Backpack, 25–35 liters
- Rain cover for a backpack. It will protect your backpack from getting wet and from damage while you're out on the trail.
- Winter sleeping bag (comfort temperature: -5* / -15*)
- Foam mat, also known as a sleeping pad (self-inflating or polyurethane)
- We recommend a thickness of at least 2.5 cm to provide better protection against hard bumps while sleeping and better thermal insulation
- Hiking poles with snow rings
- Sunglasses with protective flaps (protection level of at least Category 3)
- Ski goggles (to maintain visibility during adverse weather conditions: snow, wind)
- Seat Cushion (Hiking Seat)
- Headlamp with spare batteries (250 lumens or more)
- High-top boots (two- or three-layer)
- Hiking Boots
- Flip-flops, Crocs, slippers (for use at camp)
- Hooded Mountain Down Jacket (for temperatures as low as -15 °C)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket (membrane jacket with ventilation openings)
- Hiking pants (we recommend ones with detachable legs or ventilation openings)
- Windproof pants (membrane, self-venting)
- Warm pants for camp (fleece or similar)
- Fleece jacket with a high neck or hood (warm)
- Sleepwear (loose-fitting, not compression)
- Underwear
- Thermal Underwear
- Hat (without pom-poms or tassels, with covered ears)
- Headwear (cap, bandana, Panama hat)
- Balaclava
- Hiking Socks
- Warm socks
- Leg warmers (flashlights)
- Thin (fleece) gloves
- Down Mittens (Riding Mittens)
- International passport in a sealed package
- Cash in local currency
- Insurance covering mountaineering, helicopter evacuation, and rescue operations
- Thermos (1 liter)
- Mug, spoon, plate (not ceramic)
- Reusable bottle
- Wet toilet paper (not wipes, but actual toilet paper)
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal hygiene items
- Power Banks and Chargers
Our Guides
- Alexander MakovkinHead of the Slavonic Club, climbing and mountaineering instructor and guide, 2nd-level mountaineering certificationA graduate of the “SHIT” School of Tourism Instructors (Maykop). Participatesin annualmountaineering training camps in the Caucasus and Georgia. He has over 8 years of experience as an instructor and guide. He leads climbing programs on Mount Ararat and Mount Kazbek, as well as trekking tours in the Caucasus. He specializes in organizing safe climbs and teaching participants how to use mountaineering equipment.
Alexander’s guiding principle is to ensure maximum safety while maintaining team spirit. He thoroughly prepares participants for the climb, teaching them glacier travel techniques, self-belaying, and the proper use of equipment. - Malvina GolikovaTour guide for the Slavonic Travel club, a graduate of the "Planeta" School of Tour Guides, and holder of a Red Cross first aid certificate.Experience leading mountain hikes and climbs since 2023. Completed a mountain training course and an internship at a specialized school. Regularly updates her skills, including training in safety procedures and first aid. Works with groups on climbing routes and trekking trails in the Caucasus and Georgia
Malvina is known for her attention to detail and care for participants; she strictly follows safety protocols and always monitors the group’s condition along the route.
WHY YOU SHOULD CLIMB KAZBEK WITH US
- Experience and Reliability5 years in the mountains of the Caucasus, Turkey, and Georgia. Dozens of successful climbs led by certified instructors.
- Professional GuidesMountaineering ranks, training at mountaineering schools, annual training camps, and a focus on safety.
- Small groupsUp to 8 people—maximum attention and a comfortable pace for everyone.
- Security and ControlOne guide for every 3–4 participants—the international standard for guided climbs.
- Full supportConsultations, assistance with choosing gear, and full support leading up to the tour.
- Food and ComfortThree meals a day, consideration of dietary preferences, and comfortable accommodations in shelters and tents.
- Tried-and-true gearHigh-quality tents, stoves, communal facilities, and the option to rent personal equipment.
- A Fair PriceNo hidden fees. Everything is included: meals, transfers, lodging, guidance, and instruction.
- Results and ConfidenceWe're not focused on the number of peaks—the most important thing is that you stay safe, reach the summit, and make your way back down at your own pace